[Event-recorder].
Event or loop recorders monitor heart rhythm using discontinuous ECG storage which enables them to obtain a correlation between symptoms and the underlying heart rhythm in patients with infrequent, short-lasting episodes. External event recorders with intermittent monitoring, i.e., with electrodes within the device, are suitable for patients with palpitations or tachycardia who remain conscious. External event recorders with continuous monitoring are tolerated by patients for a few weeks and have a limited diagnostic impact in patients with recurrent syncope. The implantable loop recorder (ILR) monitors heart rhythm for one year and after patient-triggered or automatic activation stores a one-lead ECG up to 42 minutes prior to device activation. The diagnostic benefit of ILR in comparison to conventional approaches has been demonstrated in randomised studies. Furthermore, an ILR identifies patients with recurrent syncope of unknown origin in whom a pacemaker implantation can avoid further episodes. Additional possible indications are the monitoring of atrial fibrillation, the diagnostics of infrequent palpitations and patients with seizures.
Schuchert
Andreas
A
Friedrich-Ebert-Krankenhaus, Medizinische Klinik, Friesenstr. 11, 24534 Neumünster, Deutschland. andreas.schuchert@fek.de
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016248:Computer Storage Devices; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*